17/10/2025
That annoying "water stuck in ear" feeling? Here's what to do! 🏊💧
We've all been there - that fullness, muffled hearing, and swishing sensation after swimming or showering. Here's how to fix it SAFELY!
Why does water get trapped?
💧 Earwax build-up blocking drainage
💧 Narrow ear canals
💧 Lots of time in water (surfers, swimmers)
💧 Underwater pressure (like doing handstands!)
SAFE ways to remove water from your ear:
✓ Tilt & tug - Tip head to side, gently tug earlobe
✓ Gravity method - Lie on your side with the affected ear on a towel
✓ Heat - Warm face cloth or hairdryer on LOW setting
✓ Valsalva Manoeuvre - Pinch nose, close mouth, breathe in gently
✓ Create a vacuum - Cup your hand over your ear, tilt down, and move your hand slowly
✓ Olive oil - Warm drops, lie for 10 mins, drain
✓ Add more water - Sounds weird, but it works! Add water with a dropper, wait 5 seconds, roll over to drain
❌ NEVER DO THIS:
🚫 Insert cotton swabs/Q-tips
🚫 Use fingers or objects
🚫 Push anything into the ear canal
Why? You risk:
- Pushing water deeper
- Introducing bacteria
- Puncturing the eardrum
- Damaging the ear canal
⚠️ THE DANGER ZONE:
If left untreated, trapped water can cause swimmer's ear (otitis externa) - a bacterial infection with symptoms like:
😣 Pain & itching
🔴 Red, inflamed ears
💧 Discharge from the ear
👂 Temporary hearing loss
PREVENTION TIPS:
🏊♂️ Wear earplugs & swimming cap
💨 Dry ears thoroughly after water exposure
🌬️ Use a hairdryer to evaporate water
💧 Consider custom-fit earplugs from your audiologist
When to see a doctor:
If water stays trapped for 2-3+ days, you have severe pain, discharge, or signs of infection - see your GP immediately! Untreated infections can cause long-term hearing damage.
https://www.hearingaid.org.uk/hearing-loss-awareness/water-in-ears
